Former Super Eagles’ central defender and captain, William Troost-Ekong has been cited as a great example who youth football developers, corporate bodies and people from all sectors of life should emulate in the dicovery of new talents for the country.
Sports247 reports that the recommendation that was given well-placed Nigerians to follow Ekong’s example came from Pastor Akwa Ima Udofia, who is the coach of Community Secondary School, Aka Offot, at the end of a football competition sponsored by the football star.
Pastor Udofia was excited that his team won the competition’s female category for the second year running, following their 5-0 victory over Methodist Secondary School, Ibiaku Ishiet in the final at Uyo Township Stadium on Tuesday, and he stated the need for more of such events.
He reasoned that, if more of such competitions are organised across the state regularly, young talents would have wider opportunities to showcase their abilities and gain extended recognition, as young footballers need several platforms for them to be discovered.
The clergyman and educator further pointed out that Troost-Ekong’s initiative provided a forum for male and female football talents from various institutions to compete, gain experience and showcase their potential, while Community Secondary School, Aka Offot emerged as girls’ champions for the second consecutive year.
He pointed out that both categories each had four diffeent schoools competing for the two trophies in a well-organised setting, which he reckoned was symbolic for its general impact on the competing students, more than the fact that his team retained the female trophy.
“We’re excited, happy and very grateful to God who led us this far. It’s not all about the trophy, it’s not about the position, it’s about the exposure,” Udofia stated, while butressing the competition’s importance towards discovering and developing young football talents in Akwa Ibom State.
